SUMMARY
- A conference bringing together theorists and observers studying the dark sectors of the universe – dark energy and dark matter
- WWW site: http://www.caastro.org/event/2016-dark
- Early Bird registrations and abstract submissions OPEN.
- Email [Log in to view email] to ensure you receive further announcements or with any questions

The conference will be held from 18−22 July 2016 at the Pullman Cairns International Hotel, Cairns, Australia. The hosts will be ARC Centre of Excellence for All-sky Astrophysics (CAASTRO). Welcome drinks will be held on Sunday 17 July 2016.

The search for a physical understanding of the dark sector continues, and progress will depend on the intricate interplay of new, large cosmological datasets, the predictions of physical theories, and accurate simulations. Which combinations of observable signatures are most interesting for distinguishing between models? How can we mitigate systematic errors in these measurements? What are the most exciting new theoretical developments? The conference will cover a diverse range of scientific topics including large-scale structure, gravitational lensing, peculiar velocities, and supernovae as cosmological probes.

REGISTRATION AND ABSTRACT SUBMISSION
To register and submit your abstract please click here or visit our website www.caastro.org/event/2016-dark. Scientific contributions to the Diving into the Dark conference can be in oral or poster form. Please note that the deadline to submit abstracts for oral presentations is 25 March 2016. Poster presentations will be accepted until 16 May 2016 dependent on floor space.

Please note: Payment of the registration fee is not required at the time of registration and abstract submission. However to receive the early bird fee payment must be received by COB on 29 April 2016, otherwise the full registration fee will be charged. You will need to register for your abstract to be considered. A payment code will be issued which you can use to pay your fee later. If you have any questions please contact [Log in to view email]

Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your registration, please contact: [Log in to view email]. There will be a $100 processing fee for all cancellations prior to 30 June 2016. Thereafter, no refunds will be offered.

The Registration fee will also covers a Welcome Function on 17 July 2016 and the conference dinner being held on Thursday 21 July 2016.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Limited funds are available to provide travel support and per diem expenses to delegates who will need financial assistance in order to attend the Conference. The deadline for Financial Assistance applications is 29 April 2016.

To be considered please complete the Financial Aid Application prior to 29 April 2015, and we will notify you of the outcome on 16 May 2015.

ACCOMMODATION BOOKINGS
We have booked a block of rooms for workshop participants at the Pullman Cairns International which is also the conference venue. We encourage you to take advantage of the special rate we have secured for conference participants. We have the following rooms:

To make an accommodation reservation:
Accommodation bookings are now open. To book please download the booking form, complete it and return to Graeme Wellings (H8772-RE1@accor.com) or fax to 61 7 40311801. Please note that all bookings must be guaranteed by credit card at time of booking and full payment will be required at final checkout.
Accommodation Booking Form - pdfAccommodation Booking Form - word
Note that all rooms at the Pullman Cairns International are non-smoking.

Meals
Your registration fee includes the following meals: morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea daily. If you have any dietary requirements, please ensure you make a note of these when you register for the conference, under the Dietary Information field.

VISA INFORMATION
All travellers other than Australian and New Zealand citizens need a valid visa or authority to enter Australia (including electronic visas). More information here or Department of Immigration Fact Sheet for Travellers. Please contact the organisers if you need a letter of invitation for your visa application. For some nationalities, processing and issuance of visas can take several weeks/months, so apply well before your planned travel.